We begin each day of teacher training with devotions. Sometimes we spend the first hour together in song, prayer, and Bible study. It is one of the highlights of my days in Haiti, being able to join together with believers and celebrate our Savior.
In planning what we would focus on during devotions, I reflected on the recent study of 1 John that has been done at my home church. I have been so encouraged and challenged through this study that I thought this would be a good place for the teachers to start with daily devotions. Not surprisingly, each morning as we read together, the teachers share encouraging insights that I had never thought of before. We just finished looking at 1 John 2 today, and I wanted to pass on some of the passage and the encouraging insights that were shared during our time together.
This is the promise which He Himself made to us: eternal life. These things I have written to you concerning those who are trying to deceive you. As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him. Now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming. If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone also who practices righteousness is born of Him. I John 2:25-29
As we discussed these few verses this morning, the teachers took turns sharing what they found encouraging in the passage. They talked about the incomparable hope that we find in Christ's promise of eternal life. We discussed how faithful God is and how we know that we can trust Him to keep His promises. We talked about how easy it can be to be deceived and fail to see the lies that we are believing. We agreed that it is therefore very important to encourage each other in the truth of the gospel, the truth that in Christ we have forgiveness of sins and hope of life everlasting. The teachers shared how powerful it was to think about abiding in Christ, through all the trials and struggles of life, to find our peace and comfort and security in Him. We discussed the overwhelming truth that we can have confidence before Him because of His work on the cross for us.
Each morning the discussion takes twists and turns I don't expect. The teachers share their insights which are deep and meaningful and instructed by their complicated life experiences. Their faith is more than a mental assent; it is a real and present truth that carries them through the hardships of this life.
I am very thankful for the insights that these amazing brothers and sisters share each morning, and hope that you find encouragement in their words too! Thank you for your continued prayers and words of encouragement! Love in Christ, Jessie
